Biden claims he did not request Netanyahu to delay Gaza invasion
3 Min Read
This comes after news reports said that Netanyahu decided to postpone the ground invasion upon Biden's request.
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President Joe Biden and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
During a bilateral press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday claimed that he did not request Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Instead, he recommended exploring every available opportunity to prioritize the release of captives.
"What I have indicated to him is that if that's possible to get these folks out safely, that's what he should do, but I did not demand it. I pointed it out to him," Biden said.
This comes after news reports said that Netanyahu decided to postpone the ground invasion upon Biden's request.
Axios recently revealed that this decision was owed to Netanyahu's skepticism regarding the current strategies proposed by his military leaders.
It also said that Biden cautionned him about rushing into a ground invasion and so that the US has enough time to provide additional support for the IOF.
Read more: US military aid to "Israel": Here's what to know
Biden Says Did Not Demand Israel Delay Ground Invasion of Gaza
US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he did not make a demand to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, but suggested that they should take any opportunity to secure the release of hostages first.
Competition with China
Elsewhere in his remarks, during the press briefing, Biden told reporters that the United States intends to engage in competition with China across all domains, emphasizing that there is no desire for a conflict with Beijing.
"We're gonna compete with China in every way according to the international rules: Economically, politically and in other ways, but we are not seeking conflict," Biden said.
2024 US Elections
Biden also expressed his lack of concern regarding the possibility of newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson attempting to overturn the results of the 2024 presidential election, responding with a simple "No" when asked about such a scenario by reporters.
AUKUS fund
As for matters relating to the funding of AUKUS, Biden expressed his confidence that he would be able to secure funding for the AUKUS initiative, emphasizing its substantial alignment with US interests.
"I'm confident that we are going to be able to get money for AUKUS because it's overwhelmingly in our interest," Biden said.
New House Speaker
US President Joe Biden declared his intention to work in good faith on behalf of the American people with newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson.
"As I said when this process began, whoever the Speaker is, I will seek to work with them in good faith on behalf of the American people," Biden said in a statement.
Biden continued, saying that in order to address national security concerns and avert an impending government shutdown, both parties must move quickly right away.
Read more: China worried about escalation of Gaza war, calls for ceasefire
